Expectations for 2012?

[GreatGolson]

Hey all, havent posted in a while, for some reason i can only log in via my phone, anyways..

As far as wins, player growth, and program developement, what are your expectations for the 2012 season? I would like to see 8-10 wins, a multi-year solution at quarterback, and another strong recruiting class. What are your expectations for this coming season?

 

[ChiRish]

I think you nailed it right there. The recruiting class is coming along quite nicely to put it lightly, and if we can pull off 8 wins with our schedule AND find a legitimate solution to the QB issue, the program is going to be set to take off.

 

[Irish.Ca]

I expect our OLine to be dominant and have an amazing year running the ball because of it. This will allow our QB to grow his passing repertoire each game which can only be further enhanced by a couple of QB runs each game too. I want to see QB sneaks this year too. Bring in the 3rd stringer for it, I don't care. Our OL should move the line this year. Xtra snaps for that QB are good for him. Lets our starter get the next few plays on the sideline and can discuss what is working/not working with the coordinator too. I expect WR's to improve and an all american TE.
I expect us to see a big jump in special teams play which will be a huge help and build confidence not only within the team, but ND Nation as well.
I expect the dline to continue from where they left off last year and then improve as Diaco should have learned quite a bit himself. I expect Badger to really step in and shock a lot of people. The CB's will start out slow and have trouble with Barkley but who won't.
Beat Navy, UM, MST, Miami and Stanford. Purdue could be an upset due to jet lag and short turn around. BYU and Oka will be close. I don't like the odds vs SuCk but injuries have to catch up to other teams too.

In faith.

.ca

 

[yankeeND]

This is 1988 schedule wise, unfortunetly this isn't the 1988 squad. However my expectations are about building for the 2013 season and beyond. I hope the winner of the QB derby starts the next 3 seasons and is the leader of the team. I hope with these 4 RB's and the talent on the O-line we rush for 2500 yards. It's a lot I know but I expect an emphasis on the run game. I see 1000 yards receiving for Eifert and a Mackey award in his future! On defense I would like to see more turnovers created and one of the CB's to become a star, I'm talkin bout you Bennett! I like the direction the defense has been going and I hope to see that continue! All in all I don't expect a NC but I am looking for a one game improvement, 9-4 is my guess but it's more my hope so that Kelly can keep this recruiting momentum going and continue to be supported. Of coarse if the team looks good but goes 7-5 I could understand it.

 

[irishtrain]

Hey all, havent posted in a while, for some reason i can only log in via my phone, anyways..

As far as wins, player growth, and program developement, what are your expectations for the 2012 season? I would like to see 8-10 wins, a multi-year solution at quarterback, and another strong recruiting class. What are your expectations for this coming season?

If this team goes 8-4 they had a tremendous season. The only wild card is a QB emerging that changes the game for the Irish. Other than that they dont have the horses. Its pros vs college guys now and Notre Dame doesnt play pro football. My hope is to see the current players play balls out and not leave anything in the lockeroom. I Hope to see them play proud and strong every game. Really at this point its all thats left. The pros play for other teams and they dont have the academic requirements or student life responsibilities that an athlete at Notre Dame has to deal with. Now we know what the otherside felt like when they played loaded Notre Dame teams of the past. Play on and GO Irish! As far as my expectations go its just this simple-enjoying watching college guys play football and competing.

 

[Fbolt]

My predictions with comments-have to have fun!!-right?

9/1/12 Navy Midshipmen Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
W (34-17) Golson and Hendrix both play.

9/8/12 Purdue Boilermakers Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (42-13) ND ground game churns the turf. The D exploits Purdue's miscues as they record 4 sacks, 1 FR, and 2 INTs.

9/15/12 Michigan State Spartans Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
W (28-10) ND defense tears the Sparty's up. After an early miscue on an extra point, Kelly goes for two in the 4th quarter as the MSU fans boo.

9/22/12 Michigan Wolverines Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (38-24) Denard goes down in the 1st quarter with a hard hit by Nix. He returns after halftime only to lose his shoe to a beautiful young lady who streaks the game and swipes it during a UM TO in the 4th. Finally! Fans mob the field afterward.

09/29/12 Open

10/6/12 Miami (FL) Hurricanes Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
W (31-17) Miami doesn't have what it takes in the end as ND pulls away late-Golson's 1st start!

10/13/12 Stanford Cardinal Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (24-17) ND finally comes out on top.

10/20/12 BYU Cougars Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (21-20) A close game after the Stanford win. Amir has a breakout game and accounts for 200+ yeards and 2 touchdowns.

10/27/12 Oklahoma Sooners Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
L (38-17) Despite Eifert's 11th and 12th receiving touchdown of the year ND's weaknesses are exploited.

11/3/12 Pittsburgh Panthers Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (31-20) Ishaq records his best game with the Irish. Closer game than it should have been.

11/10/12 Boston College Eagles Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
W (46-10) Reminds me of Super Bowl XX-not even close as ND dominates on both fronts.

11/17/12 Wake Forest Demon Deacons Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (21-17) ND mistakes allow Wake to stay in the game. Teo accounts for 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 FR, 2 pass break-ups, and 11 tackles (3 TFL) in his last home game.

11/24/12 USC Trojans Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
L (31-24) Kiffin has a Weiss like experience and gets tackled by a mob of players, injuring his leg. Davaris gets his 10th receiving TD of the year, although Trojans still have too much for the Irish.

As for recruiting, the 2013 recruits will continue climb on board but the 2014 will be a monster as ND football has turned the corner and the W's start to pile up.

 

[yankeeND]

My predictions with comments-have to have fun!!-right?

9/1/12 Navy Midshipmen Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
W (34-17) Golson and Hendrix both play.

9/8/12 Purdue Boilermakers Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (42-13) ND ground game churns the turf.

9/15/12 Michigan State Spartans Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
W (28-10) ND defense tears the Sparty's up.

9/22/12 Michigan Wolverines Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (38-24) Finally! Fans mob the field afterward.

09/29/12 Open

10/6/12 Miami (FL) Hurricanes Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
W (31-17) Miami doesn't have what it takes in the end as ND pulls away late-Golson 1st start!

10/13/12 Stanford Cardinal Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (24-17) ND finally comes out on top.

10/20/12 BYU Cougars Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (21-20) A close game after the Stanford win.

10/27/12 Oklahoma Sooners Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
L (38-17) ND's weaknesses are exploited.

11/3/12 Pittsburgh Panthers Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (31-20) Closer than it should have been.

11/10/12 Boston College Eagles Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
W (46-10) Reminds me of Super Bowl XX-not even close as ND dominates on both fronts.

11/17/12 Wake Forest Demon Deacons Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
W (21-17) ND mistakes allow Wake to stay in the game.

11/24/12 USC Trojans Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
L (31-24) Trojans still have too much for the Irish.

As for recruiting, the 2013 recruits will continue climb on board but the 2014 will be a monster as ND football has turned the corner and the W's start to pile up.

I like your prediction better than mine.

 

[DCIrish]

I just want to see development and improvement at QB. Rees is not the answer imo. It is important in fall camp that one of the other three QB's step up and show that they're the guy going forward. If that happens this teams potential this year and going forward is much better. If Rees ends up being the starter again I will have serious doubts about the other QB's and Kelly's ability to develop them.

If they get good play at QB and CB I think they could be a 9 win team, if they don't I could see them being a 5 or 6 win team against this schedule.

 

[AllGoldEverything]

With this schedule I will be very pleased with 8 wins.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

If a QB shows up, and the CBs even play just decent.

Watch out.

With that said, 8 wins is what I would put money on. But, I feel like the players are starting to see Kelly's game plan.

 

[Grahambo]

Minimize the turnovers.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

"Speed up" quarterback play, and speed up OLB and turnovers will start to tally in our direction.

 

[BurningRiver]

My expectations?

 

[goldandblue]

I have to say this is the first year since being a part of I.E. that people seem to have realistic expectations about our win loss record. It will be funny if the Irish go out and "kill it" this year...

As for my prediction, I say we end the season 9-3 Losing to Michigan State, Oklahoma, and BYU. I think Manti will get this team "crunk" for the USC game and we bash the **** out of them... 31-13 ND over USC.

Golson starts by game 4 against Michigan in an attempt to feed them their own poison. (Golson similiar to Denard) and continues on the rest of the season.

 

[notredomer23]

Run the ball 65% of the time and win 10 games. Go 50 50 and win 8. That simple IMO

 

[goldandblue]

Run the ball 65% of the time and win 10 games. Go 50 50 and win 8. That simple IMO

Couldn't agree more....

 

[irish1958]

I think it all depends upon the quarterback play and injuries.
If Rees, 7-5
If Hendrix, 9-3
If Golson, 12-1 or if no injuries 13-0.

 

[notredomer23]

I think it all depends upon the quarterback play and injuries.
If Rees, 7-5
If Hendrix, 9-3
If Golson, 12-1 or if no injuries 13-0.

Agree about Rees
Agree about Hendrix
False. This team if the schedule doesn't get any easier can not go 13-0 in anyway. Maybe if barkley gets hurt and if Oklahoma just sucks this year, there is an extremely slight chance for 12-0 but we would get murdered in the NC game. This is probably my favorite Irish team personel wise since 2006 but IMO if every bounce goes our way our ceiling is still 11-1 with our low being 7-5

 

[Bogtrotter07]

People noted realistic expectiations; I am noticing a broader range on the predictions. I am seeing that as most people have gotten off the kool-aid and still see the program moving in the right direction. I do not disagree with anyone. If I do, I will let you know.

 

[ClausentoTate]

Cave staying healthy will have a huge impact. I think we break 2k yards rushing with him in the fold. I'd like to see Hendrix or Golson starting with the other getting mop-up duty, with Kiel getting snaps if we are up big. I seriously hope Tommy gets suspended at least a few games.

I'm more optimistic than 7-5 but I'd be happy with that, as long as we continue to show improvement... and as long as we beat Michigan.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

The whole offensive line will be beastly. We have killers, coming in to start; In shape, large, motivated, athletic, and goal oriented. We have a whole second team that would improve other programs line play. Frankly, I think there are a lot of guys that will sub in and out without any fall off. We have some competent guys behind them. And we have the "Class" coming in after that. Go ahead; load the box. Make my day.

 

[irishtrinity]

BCS 11 win season.. Only 2 teams have as much talent OU, USC. If we play Golson, and play smart we will win.

I'm going to the OU game so i want more than anything to win that game...It would help shut the mouths of so many haters..

 

[irishtrinity]

Run the ball 65% of the time and win 10 games. Go 50 50 and win 8. That simple IMO

I agree.. Run the freakin ball if Golson is in Option the ball.. I would be so happy to see the option from Golson to Riddick or Wood/GA3..

 

[fitz_bu47]

I haven't been this excited for an Irish squad in a while, tons of talent and I expect a leap forward. I still look back last year at what could have been if you take away some turnovers. All that said, w/ this schedule, and the uncertainties at QB/CB (although I am much less worried about CB b/c of the front 7) I could see 7-5 to 10-2. Hoping for at least 8 or 9 wins.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

We don't have a QB, we don't have a big play WR, and we have an unproven secondary going against Denard, Barkley, and Landry Jones.

7-5 would be an escape unless we play like Navy, run for 400 yards a game, and play keep away with long drives

 

[Chris P. Bacon]

We have plenty of QB's, we just don't know which one will start this season. It's not as if this is Peewee and these guys have never played the position before. With the running game we are going to have this season, it's going to take a lot of pressure off our QB from having to throw so much. No, we don't have a big time WR, but Eifert is just as good as any big time receiver, and the hybrid players that will come out of the backfield will cause severe mis-match problems for teams all season. You telling me some LB is going to cover Wood, Neal, GAII, I don't think so, and even if they do for a play here, a play there, sooner than later their going to get tired and or beat on one big play and it's 6 for the IRISH.


We Dominated Michigan for 3 quarters last year, I think we have our head on straight this year and bring home a win against them. Mich St we beat up on last year when they had Cousins, I don't see us losing that game either. OKLA I honestly feel we have a legit shot in this one, they have only one WR returning this year with any college catches, 2 or 3 of them were recently kicked off the team, which I think will help our secondary and it's later in the season so our DB's have time to get use to their positions, and gives time for our coaches to make adjustments. BYU, eh I'm not feeling a close one there, I think the first half we're up by a touchdown or two, and the 2nd half our bigger faster stronger linemen handle BYU for another win. USC, I think if we play turnover free we can win this one, the only reason we lost last year was obviously the turnovers, and one for sure that lost it for us when Hendrix somehow fumbled the snap and they ran it back for 80+yds.

9+ wins if we don't have the same turnover battle we had last year. Let's all be honest, last year was just a complete disaster with turnovers, that has obviously got to be one of the priorities this offseason for the coaches, so I don't see us turning it over anywhere near as much, and we could have won 10 games last year if we didn't, so I'm very optimistic for this season. Our seniors will help pull out a nice 9-10 win season.

GO IRISH!

 

[IrishFBfanatic]

We don't have a QB, we don't have a big play WR, and we have an unproven secondary going against Denard, Barkley, and Landry Jones.

7-5 would be an escape unless we play like Navy, run for 400 yards a game, and play keep away with long drives

We have 4 QBs, and whoever plays (Tommy included) will obviously be an upgrade from the past 2 seasons. Saying we don't have a QB is ignorant. Saying QB is a question mark is a legitimate statement. Do you really believe that we don't have someone on this roster capable of playing QB?

7-5 would be ridiculous. What 3 teams (I'm assuming the other 2 are USC and OU) are you expecting us to lose to? What 3 teams are better than us on our schedule?

 

[aubeirish]

Cut down on the turnovers. That schedule is a little ridiculous. I have no expectations as far of winning. Play solid football I guess.

 

[General Colon Bowel]

Don't lose to any team that is less talented than us. That means the only acceptable losses in my eyes would be to USC, Oklahoma, Stanford, Miami and Michigan (because you can always lose to a team whose quarterback can go off at any second). Other than that, I feel like we have enough talent and depth that we should finally be able to take control of games against teams with inferior talent.
Unless 2012 is another turnover cluster****, then our basement should be 5 losses.
Now, if this program is really turning the corner I would like to see us beat some of these teams that are equally as talented. Our season all comes down to how we do in these five games.

 

[alohagoirish]

Golson will start and be more effective then most are expecting.

Neal will play CB in 2012 and turn the only true question mark into a strength --defense will be the best this century by a wide margin.

Davaris Daniels & one of the freshman (brown or ferguson) will provide an answer at WR---with golson running the option --Eifert/Koyack/TJ/Toma---and out of the backfield Riddeck & Wood---with Atkinson as this years Jonas taking it to the house on several occassions will give us all the offense we will need to win 9 games.

9 wins--one big upset for ND--and a top 7 class--and we will be on our way!!!